In the history of distance learning in Italy a crucial time is represented by the pre-history. After the mail-based learning an excursus relative to the second phase of distance learning in Italy corresponds to the development of radio and television and their pedagogical use to defeat the invasive illiteracy. Radio rurale, the first experiment of distance learning promoted by fascism (1920), "Non è mai troppo tardi" (1960), the first Tv program for adult learning and the birth of Raitre (1979), the first mainstream cultural channel with the "Dipartimento Scuola Educazione," are a milestone that prepares the ground for the birth of the actual e-learning. Afterwards, the transition from Tv-based distance learning to e-learning is embodied by consortium Uninettuno (1990), the first televisual and telematic University in Europe. Even nowadays the radio and tv distance learning experience with its cultural heritage represents a model for the modern e-learning and could be a key for its future evolution.